Fret Noise Issue

[asg618]

I've got a new high-end 24-fret 5-string bass. Absolutely love the bass - if I keep it, it's my 4th from this builder.

But there is an issue I hope someone out there can weigh in on. It involves a metallic click when I fret the B, E, and A strings above the 7th fret. I'm fairly certain that it's the sound of the string crashing against the fret I'm targeting, and not mere string buzz that could be addressed with a neck adjustment.

I can best explain what’s happening by 2 examples, both involving the same note: a C# played at the ninth fret of the E string.

Example 1: Let’s say I’m playing a B note at the 7th fret of the E string. Make it continuous eighth notes, all the same B. Then I press my ring finger down on the ninth fret to hit C#, and try rapid switching between B and C#. Because the notes are being played on the same string, just one fret apart, the metallic click is nominal. Even playing aggressively, hitting the C# with repeated hammer-ons, doesn’t result in too much of the click. There’s some, but it’s to be expected and it’s not unpleasant – it actually adds a nice percussive effect that’s usable.

Example #2: But if I throw a string transition into the mix, the click becomes louder and unpleasant. Now let’s say I’m playing an E note at the 7th fret of the A string. If I play continuous eighth notes, all the same E, and then transition to the E string to hit the C# at the ninth fret, the metallic click is about as bad as it gets. For whatever reason, pressing down on that note from open position is much worse than pressing down on the note from the fretted position as in the first example. I think this is because in open position, the distance from string to fret is greater, and the impact of contact is thus more audible.

I've tried going from bright steel strings to nickel wounds - it helped, but the metallic click is still too loud.

The action is set quite low, so the only thing I thought of trying was raising the height of the saddles on the E and A strings, where the click is most prevalent. But based on the above, I think this will actually make it worse. Raising the distance from string to fret means there's more ground to cover to fret the string, which means applying greater force, which I think means perhaps even louder clink on impact.

Anyone have any experience with this kind of problem? The builder has never had anyone raise this, but is more than happy to take the bass back. I'd prefer to keep it, as it's otherwise perfect, and wonder whether there's some solution out there that we're missing that could at least improve the situation.

Thanks!

[Chasarms]

If all the notes are ringing true once they are stopped (fretted) it is not a setup issue. And I agree that raising the action is likely to have a negative impact on what's happening.

I'm guessing you may just be a little more energetic about playing this bass than is needed. This bass may play much easier than what you are used to.
Once you get a better feel for the bass and adapt to how it plays, a lot of this may go away. Every bass plays a little differently.

It also may be that current EQ settings are making the problem worse than it really is. Everyone experiences some fret noise. It is impossible to completey avoid.

I might start with a little trial and error to get a good understanding of the minimal finger pressure needed to cleanly stop the note, and also experiment with how closely you can stop the note behind the fret and still get a clean, ringing tone.

FWIW,

Chas

[asg618]

Originally Posted by Chasarms

I'm guessing you may just be a little more energetic about playing this bass than is needed. This bass may play much easier than what you are used to.
Once you get a better feel for the bass and adapt to how it plays, a lot of this may go away.

Chas - Yes, you're absolutely right. The harder I play, the more prominent the click is, no question.

I don't know that I'll ever have the light touch needed to bring the best out of this bass. I have practiced playing much lighter and turning up the amp to let it do more of the work. I find it very difficult, and not nearly as comfortable or as fun as my normal play style, which is to really dig in more often than not. I also don't think it sounds as good. All of the above might get better with patience and practice, but it really requires such a dramatic change in my approach to yield results.

If "you need a lighter touch" becomes the consensus, it will confirm what I already suspect -- this is a great, great bass, but just not the right bass for me at this time.

Thanks!

[Rumblin' Man]

IMO, you need to try and get used to playing with a lighter touch.

Aside from fixing you "clack" problem it will also allow you to have considerably more dynamic range and easier control over it.

Still, a change in setup (raise the strings and/or add relief) may be helpful.

[asg618]

Originally Posted by Rumblin' Man

IMO, you need to try and get used to playing with a lighter touch.

Aside from fixing you "clack" problem it will also allow you to have considerably more dynamic range and easier control over it.

No doubt it would do me good and is something to focus on. But probably not with this bass, which is very expensive and, in my mind, is contributing at least in part to the problem.

[FL Knifemaker]

I would bet the clacking sound isn't the string you're playing but the one fretted above it. As your right hand finger comes off the string you're playing, it strikes the one above it causing that string to CLACK against the fret below the one that's fingered. Try only fretting one string and muting the one above it. In my experiece the "clack" is never the string being played and always the one above.

If that's the case it can usually be adjusted out with the trussrod and/or bridge. I like to play hard often find myself having to adjust out the dreaded clacking Some basses like my T-40 can be ajusted VERY low and never clack. Other basses just seem to do it to some extent no matter what I try.

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by Joshua

Great to see ya Chas, don't be a stranger!

Ah. A familiar face!!! Hey man!!! Been lurking but mostly uninspired to comment.

How are you coming along on the big bass?